Disorderly conduct is addressed under which CPL section?

• A. CPL 240.20
• B. CPL 210.15
• C. CPL 120.05
• D. CPL 300.25

Answer: (A)

Disorderly conduct is defined by a specific statute that covers actions causing public disturbance through disorderly or tumultuous behavior. In New York, that statute is identified as 240.20, which is the reference students are usually taught to use when discussing this offense. The essence is that a person acts in a way that intentionally or recklessly creates public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or disturbs the peace in a way that affects others in a public setting. Because this statute specifically targets that type of conduct, it’s the appropriate citation when evaluating or charging disorderly conduct. The other CPL sections point to different areas of criminal procedure or court operations, so they don’t address the disorderly conduct statute.